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Three candidates are challenging to lead Angela Merkel's CDU, but the race may not end there.

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There will be increasing tension between the platforms and African governments, analysts say.

A court martial sitting in Sokoto has granted bail to Martins Idakpini, a Lance Corporal who criticised Tukur Buratai, Chief of Army Staff.

Tope Akinyode, Idakpini's lawyer, made the disclosure on Thursday.

Lance Corporal Martins

Court martial is a judicial process used in trying members of the armed forces accused of offences. 

Akinyode said, “Court martial grants bail to Lance Corporal Martins Idakpini. The court sitting in Sokoto made the order today after I argued the bail application. Idakpini was arrested for criticising army authorities. He's been detained for seven months without access to his family.”

Idakpini was arrested in June 2020 shortly after he made a viral video castigating Burutai for the failings of the Nigerian Army to combat and destroy Boko Haram.

Lance Corporal Blasts Chief Of Army Staff, Buratai, Over Incessant Killings In Nigeria WATCH FULL VIDEO: Lance Corporal Blasts Chief Of Army Staff, Buratai, Over Incessant Killings In Nigeria

Following his arrest, he was put in detention, incomunicado.

A Federal High Court in Abuja in July ordered the Army to grant him access to his wife, lawyer and relatives.

The court had also prohibited the Army from further violating the soldier’s fundamental human rights in any unlawful manner but the Army authorities disobeyed the order.

The Army has been in the news for the wrong reasons in recent times, owing to the handling of the fight against insurgency.

Last July, more than 300 soldiers indicated their interest to quit the Army, citing “loss of interest”.

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A court martial sitting in Sokoto has granted bail to Martins Idakpini, a Lance Corporal who criticised Tukur Buratai, Chief of Army Staff.

Tope Akinyode, Idakpini's lawyer, made the disclosure on Thursday.

Lance Corporal Martins

Court martial is a judicial process used in trying members of the armed forces accused of offences. 

Akinyode said, “Court martial grants bail to Lance Corporal Martins Idakpini. The court sitting in Sokoto made the order today after I argued the bail application. Idakpini was arrested for criticising army authorities. He's been detained for seven months without access to his family.”

Idakpini was arrested in June 2020 shortly after he made a viral video castigating Burutai for the failings of the Nigerian Army to combat and destroy Boko Haram.

Lance Corporal Blasts Chief Of Army Staff, Buratai, Over Incessant Killings In Nigeria WATCH FULL VIDEO: Lance Corporal Blasts Chief Of Army Staff, Buratai, Over Incessant Killings In Nigeria

Following his arrest, he was put in detention, incomunicado.

A Federal High Court in Abuja in July ordered the Army to grant him access to his wife, lawyer and relatives.

The court had also prohibited the Army from further violating the soldier’s fundamental human rights in any unlawful manner but the Army authorities disobeyed the order.

The Army has been in the news for the wrong reasons in recent times, owing to the handling of the fight against insurgency.

Last July, more than 300 soldiers indicated their interest to quit the Army, citing “loss of interest”.

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The Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese and elder statesman, Matthew Kukah, on Thursday expressed regret that Nigerians and the country's leaders did not learn any lesson from the 1967-1970 civil war. 

Kukah noted that there was a lot of "resentment, anxiety and frustration" from those who were alive during the war as the country had not recovered from the wounds of the civil war, 51 years after it ended. 
Matthew Kukah Daily Post

The bishop stated these at the second edition of the "Never Again Conference: 51 years after the Nigerian-Biafran civil war" on Thursday, adding that the country failed to adopt resolutions that were meant to heal the wounds of citizens.

The ‘Never Again Conference’ was organised by Nzuko Umunna, a pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation, which organised the first edition in Lagos in 2020.

Kukah noted that while the military laid the foundation for Nigerians to begin a process of rebuilding the nation, “things somehow went wrong” along the line.

He said, “I have met a lot of people who fought the war who are full of regrets. There is a lot of resentment, anxiety and frustration that we have not learnt any lessons. 

“Fifty-one years after the war, we are still hearing the kind of agitations that ordinarily, with commitment, dedication, focus and the right leadership, we should have put a lot of the anxieties behind us. Unfortunately, they are still with us. 

“(Chukwudifu) Oputa panel managed to generate quite a lot of data and information that academicians and policymakers would have used to ensure we erect the signpost saying, ‘Never Again’, because it gave us an opportunity, a mirror to look at ourselves after hearing from all sides but we didn’t have the discipline to follow through.

“We have not been able to forgive ourselves as a people. The wounds of the civil war have not been able to heal. Coups and counter-coups that followed were more or less miniature civil wars by themselves because they threw up the same contradictions, anxieties and feeling of divisiveness across the country.”

In his remarks, Prof Pat Utomi, chairman of the conference's planning committee, said the initiative started as an advocacy “in trying to bring a better understanding of the civil war and its aftermath to the Nigerian people." 

According to him, this is being pursued in a way that “it will become a source of energy for bringing a new nation." 

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The Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese and elder statesman, Matthew Kukah, on Thursday expressed regret that Nigerians and the country's leaders did not learn any lesson from the 1967-1970 civil war. 

Kukah noted that there was a lot of "resentment, anxiety and frustration" from those who were alive during the war as the country had not recovered from the wounds of the civil war, 51 years after it ended. 
Matthew Kukah Daily Post

The bishop stated these at the second edition of the "Never Again Conference: 51 years after the Nigerian-Biafran civil war" on Thursday, adding that the country failed to adopt resolutions that were meant to heal the wounds of citizens.

The ‘Never Again Conference’ was organised by Nzuko Umunna, a pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation, which organised the first edition in Lagos in 2020.

Kukah noted that while the military laid the foundation for Nigerians to begin a process of rebuilding the nation, “things somehow went wrong” along the line.

He said, “I have met a lot of people who fought the war who are full of regrets. There is a lot of resentment, anxiety and frustration that we have not learnt any lessons. 

“Fifty-one years after the war, we are still hearing the kind of agitations that ordinarily, with commitment, dedication, focus and the right leadership, we should have put a lot of the anxieties behind us. Unfortunately, they are still with us. 

“(Chukwudifu) Oputa panel managed to generate quite a lot of data and information that academicians and policymakers would have used to ensure we erect the signpost saying, ‘Never Again’, because it gave us an opportunity, a mirror to look at ourselves after hearing from all sides but we didn’t have the discipline to follow through.

“We have not been able to forgive ourselves as a people. The wounds of the civil war have not been able to heal. Coups and counter-coups that followed were more or less miniature civil wars by themselves because they threw up the same contradictions, anxieties and feeling of divisiveness across the country.”

In his remarks, Prof Pat Utomi, chairman of the conference's planning committee, said the initiative started as an advocacy “in trying to bring a better understanding of the civil war and its aftermath to the Nigerian people." 

According to him, this is being pursued in a way that “it will become a source of energy for bringing a new nation." 

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  Saharareporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2N7sJT8

The Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese and elder statesman, Matthew Kukah, on Thursday expressed regret that Nigerians and the country's leaders did not learn any lesson from the 1967-1970 civil war. 

Kukah noted that there was a lot of "resentment, anxiety and frustration" from those who were alive during the war as the country had not recovered from the wounds of the civil war, 51 years after it ended. 
Matthew Kukah Daily Post

The bishop stated these at the second edition of the "Never Again Conference: 51 years after the Nigerian-Biafran civil war" on Thursday, adding that the country failed to adopt resolutions that were meant to heal the wounds of citizens.

The ‘Never Again Conference’ was organised by Nzuko Umunna, a pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation, which organised the first edition in Lagos in 2020.

Kukah noted that while the military laid the foundation for Nigerians to begin a process of rebuilding the nation, “things somehow went wrong” along the line.

He said, “I have met a lot of people who fought the war who are full of regrets. There is a lot of resentment, anxiety and frustration that we have not learnt any lessons. 

“Fifty-one years after the war, we are still hearing the kind of agitations that ordinarily, with commitment, dedication, focus and the right leadership, we should have put a lot of the anxieties behind us. Unfortunately, they are still with us. 

“(Chukwudifu) Oputa panel managed to generate quite a lot of data and information that academicians and policymakers would have used to ensure we erect the signpost saying, ‘Never Again’, because it gave us an opportunity, a mirror to look at ourselves after hearing from all sides but we didn’t have the discipline to follow through.

“We have not been able to forgive ourselves as a people. The wounds of the civil war have not been able to heal. Coups and counter-coups that followed were more or less miniature civil wars by themselves because they threw up the same contradictions, anxieties and feeling of divisiveness across the country.”

In his remarks, Prof Pat Utomi, chairman of the conference's planning committee, said the initiative started as an advocacy “in trying to bring a better understanding of the civil war and its aftermath to the Nigerian people." 

According to him, this is being pursued in a way that “it will become a source of energy for bringing a new nation." 

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A Nigerian man, Elijah Amusan, who has resided in Italy and Germany for over five years, has begged to be deported to Nigeria, saying life has not been comfortable for him in Europe. 

Amusan, who begged the Nigerian government for deportation in a two-minute video, said he moved to Germany from Italy over a period of five years, but lacked documents; he cried for help that he should be returned to Nigeria. 

The man, who initially spoke in Yoruba, said he arrived in Italy in 2016 and had tried several times to get his papers to legally reside there but he wasn't successful. 

According to Elijah, he later moved to Germany where he currently is, but desires to return home.  

He said, "My name is Elijah Amusan. I came to Italy in 2016. I have tried to get my documents since 2016 to no avail. I tried getting a lawyer as well to help me get my documents, I couldn't obtain the documents. 

"I spent four years without a job or receiving any pocket money. I have come to beg everyone in Africa and in Nigeria to please rescue me so I can come back to Nigeria. 

"I beg you in God's name to please help me to return back to Nigeria.

"I have signed papers that they should return me (to Nigeria), they have not (done so). There is no solution or good life for me. I have been struggling. I am presently in Frankfurt, Germany, and I cannot say more than this because this is a video recording. 

"I have not had documents for like five years. I need to return to my country."

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A Nigerian man, Elijah Amusan, who has resided in Italy and Germany for over five years, has begged to be deported to Nigeria, saying life has not been comfortable for him in Europe. 

Amusan, who begged the Nigerian government for deportation in a two-minute video, said he moved to Germany from Italy over a period of five years, but lacked documents; he cried for help that he should be returned to Nigeria. 

The man, who initially spoke in Yoruba, said he arrived in Italy in 2016 and had tried several times to get his papers to legally reside there but he wasn't successful. 

According to Elijah, he later moved to Germany where he currently is, but desires to return home.  

He said, "My name is Elijah Amusan. I came to Italy in 2016. I have tried to get my documents since 2016 to no avail. I tried getting a lawyer as well to help me get my documents, I couldn't obtain the documents. 

"I spent four years without a job or receiving any pocket money. I have come to beg everyone in Africa and in Nigeria to please rescue me so I can come back to Nigeria. 

"I beg you in God's name to please help me to return back to Nigeria.

"I have signed papers that they should return me (to Nigeria), they have not (done so). There is no solution or good life for me. I have been struggling. I am presently in Frankfurt, Germany, and I cannot say more than this because this is a video recording. 

"I have not had documents for like five years. I need to return to my country."

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The trial of the immediate past Chairperson of Kwara State Scholarship Board, Fatima Yusuf, and two others over N100 million Kwara bursary scam, has been adjourned due to the absence of Yusuf's lawyer, Y.O. Ahmed, in court. 

The court adjourned the case to January 26 due to the absence of the counsel to the first defendant.

L-R: Ex-Kwara Scholarship Board chairperson; Hajia Fatima Yusuf and Secretary; Alhaji Fatai Lamidi theinformant247

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Head, Media and Publicity of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Wilson Uwujaren, said Yusuf was arraigned alongside Fatai Lamidi and Stephen Ajewole before Justice Sikiru Oyinloye of the State High Court.

The EFCC said the trio were arraigned on seven counts bordering on stealing, fraudulent conversion of government's funds and forgery.

Lamidi served as the executive Secretary of Kwara State Scholarship Board while Stephen served as the accountant.

The accused persons allegedly embezzled state funds meant for payment of 2018 bursary allowances to students of Kwara State origin in various tertiary institutions. 

The statement partly read, "Following the absence of counsel for the first defendant, Akinsola told the court that it would be in the interest of fair hearing to seek an adjournment for the defendant to be present in court with her counsel during trial, to which the two other defence counsel aligned. 

"In the circumstance, the court adjourned to January 26, 2021 for continuation of hearing. 

"Count two of the charge reads: 

"That you, Fatimah Yusuf, (while being the Chairman, Kwara State Scholarship Board), Fatai Lamidi, (while being the Executive Secretary, Kwara State Scholarship Board), and Ajewole Stephen, (while being the Accountant, Kwara State Scholarship Board), between the months of November 2018 and May 2019, in Ilorin, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, while acting in that capacity and entrusted with N50,000,000.00 ( Fifty million naira) for the payment of 2018 bursary awards to 10,000 students who are indigenes of Kwara State, dishonestly disposed of N6,269,950 out of the above sum in violation of the direction of law prescribing the mode the trust is to be discharged, thereby committed criminal breach of trust punishable under Section 315 of the Penal Code.”

"Particulars of count seven read: 

"That you, Fatimah Yusuf, (while being the Chairman, Kwara State Scholarship Board), Fatai Lamidi, (while being the Executive Secretary Kwara State Scholarship Board) Ajewole Stephen, (while being the Accountant, Kwara State Scholarship board) between the months of November 2018 and May 2019 in Ilorin, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, while acting in that capacity fraudulently used as genuine forged documents of accounts titled “List of 2018 bursary award payment vouchers” which you knew to be forged and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 366 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 364 of the same law."

"The defendants who were arraigned on January 15, 2020 had pleaded not guilty to the counts. 

"It would be recalled that, some of the affected students called as witnesses in the previous sittings had told Justice Oyinloye that their names and matriculation numbers appeared as beneficiaries of the bursary allowance, but they were never paid."

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The trial of the immediate past Chairperson of Kwara State Scholarship Board, Fatima Yusuf, and two others over N100 million Kwara bursary scam, has been adjourned due to the absence of Yusuf's lawyer, Y.O. Ahmed, in court. 

The court adjourned the case to January 26 due to the absence of the counsel to the first defendant.

L-R: Ex-Kwara Scholarship Board chairperson; Hajia Fatima Yusuf and Secretary; Alhaji Fatai Lamidi theinformant247

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Head, Media and Publicity of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Wilson Uwujaren, said Yusuf was arraigned alongside Fatai Lamidi and Stephen Ajewole before Justice Sikiru Oyinloye of the State High Court.

The EFCC said the trio were arraigned on seven counts bordering on stealing, fraudulent conversion of government's funds and forgery.

Lamidi served as the executive Secretary of Kwara State Scholarship Board while Stephen served as the accountant.

The accused persons allegedly embezzled state funds meant for payment of 2018 bursary allowances to students of Kwara State origin in various tertiary institutions. 

The statement partly read, "Following the absence of counsel for the first defendant, Akinsola told the court that it would be in the interest of fair hearing to seek an adjournment for the defendant to be present in court with her counsel during trial, to which the two other defence counsel aligned. 

"In the circumstance, the court adjourned to January 26, 2021 for continuation of hearing. 

"Count two of the charge reads: 

"That you, Fatimah Yusuf, (while being the Chairman, Kwara State Scholarship Board), Fatai Lamidi, (while being the Executive Secretary, Kwara State Scholarship Board), and Ajewole Stephen, (while being the Accountant, Kwara State Scholarship Board), between the months of November 2018 and May 2019, in Ilorin, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, while acting in that capacity and entrusted with N50,000,000.00 ( Fifty million naira) for the payment of 2018 bursary awards to 10,000 students who are indigenes of Kwara State, dishonestly disposed of N6,269,950 out of the above sum in violation of the direction of law prescribing the mode the trust is to be discharged, thereby committed criminal breach of trust punishable under Section 315 of the Penal Code.”

"Particulars of count seven read: 

"That you, Fatimah Yusuf, (while being the Chairman, Kwara State Scholarship Board), Fatai Lamidi, (while being the Executive Secretary Kwara State Scholarship Board) Ajewole Stephen, (while being the Accountant, Kwara State Scholarship board) between the months of November 2018 and May 2019 in Ilorin, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, while acting in that capacity fraudulently used as genuine forged documents of accounts titled “List of 2018 bursary award payment vouchers” which you knew to be forged and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 366 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 364 of the same law."

"The defendants who were arraigned on January 15, 2020 had pleaded not guilty to the counts. 

"It would be recalled that, some of the affected students called as witnesses in the previous sittings had told Justice Oyinloye that their names and matriculation numbers appeared as beneficiaries of the bursary allowance, but they were never paid."

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A global information and communications technology-based institute, Paradigm Initiative, has condemned the action of the Ugandan government to shut down the Internet ahead of the presidential election in the country on Thursday. 

The ICT outfit in a press release titled 'PIN Condemns Uganda Internet Shutdown', made available on its website, stated that by that action, the Uganda Communications Commission infringed on the fundamental human rights of the people. 

"This suspension should take effect at 7pm on January 13, 2021 and continue until otherwise directed,” the letter signed by Irene Kaggwa Sewankambo, the Acting Executive Director of UCC reads in part. 

The country’s two largest mobile networks - MTN Uganda and Airtel Uganda - are responsible for the majority of the country’s 20 million Internet users. It means ordinary Ugandan voters, opposition party operatives, and election observers will have limited means of communication as the polls begin on Thursday. 

Media houses which stream content online and publish news on websites have all been affected, leading to an information blackout. 

Even the UCC’s own website was not exempted as there are also reports that certain mobile phones have been targeted and can neither make calls nor send text messages. 

One of those allegedly affected was Barbara Itungo, wife of presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine.

"This action to block Internet access in Uganda is a blatant violation of regional and international standards on freedom of expression and access to information," PIN said.

"In terms of Principle 37 of the Declaration of Principles On Freedom Of Expression And Access To Information, African states must facilitate the rights to freedom of expression and access to information online and the means necessary to exercise these rights and must recognise that universal, equitable, affordable and meaningful access to the Internet is necessary for the realisation of freedom of expression, access to information and the exercise of other human rights. 

"Furthermore, PIN calls on the government of Uganda to adhere to the objective of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance under Article 2(10) to promote the establishment of the necessary conditions to foster citizen participation, transparency, access to information, freedom of the press and accountability in the management of public affairs."

Ugandans go to the polls to decide who becomes the next East African country's leader as the incumbent President Yoweri Museveni battles Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, among other candidates who want an end to the leadership of the 72-year-old president. 

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A global information and communications technology-based institute, Paradigm Initiative, has condemned the action of the Ugandan government to shut down the Internet ahead of the presidential election in the country on Thursday. 

The ICT outfit in a press release titled 'PIN Condemns Uganda Internet Shutdown', made available on its website, stated that by that action, the Uganda Communications Commission infringed on the fundamental human rights of the people. 

"This suspension should take effect at 7pm on January 13, 2021 and continue until otherwise directed,” the letter signed by Irene Kaggwa Sewankambo, the Acting Executive Director of UCC reads in part. 

The country’s two largest mobile networks - MTN Uganda and Airtel Uganda - are responsible for the majority of the country’s 20 million Internet users. It means ordinary Ugandan voters, opposition party operatives, and election observers will have limited means of communication as the polls begin on Thursday. 

Media houses which stream content online and publish news on websites have all been affected, leading to an information blackout. 

Even the UCC’s own website was not exempted as there are also reports that certain mobile phones have been targeted and can neither make calls nor send text messages. 

One of those allegedly affected was Barbara Itungo, wife of presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine.

"This action to block Internet access in Uganda is a blatant violation of regional and international standards on freedom of expression and access to information," PIN said.

"In terms of Principle 37 of the Declaration of Principles On Freedom Of Expression And Access To Information, African states must facilitate the rights to freedom of expression and access to information online and the means necessary to exercise these rights and must recognise that universal, equitable, affordable and meaningful access to the Internet is necessary for the realisation of freedom of expression, access to information and the exercise of other human rights. 

"Furthermore, PIN calls on the government of Uganda to adhere to the objective of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance under Article 2(10) to promote the establishment of the necessary conditions to foster citizen participation, transparency, access to information, freedom of the press and accountability in the management of public affairs."

Ugandans go to the polls to decide who becomes the next East African country's leader as the incumbent President Yoweri Museveni battles Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, among other candidates who want an end to the leadership of the 72-year-old president. 

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The Director General, Centre for Justice on Religious and Ethnicity in Nigeria, Kallamu Musa Ali, has urged the military to verify claims before making them.

On Monday, the Coordinator of Defence Media Operations, John Enenche, said the Nigerian government and the military had since 2015 checked the intensity of terrorist activities across the country — particularly in the North-East.

He said the open display of power and authority by Boko Haram no longer happens in the North-East, and that no single district or community could be said to be under the control of the insurgents.

But Ali countered these claims, noting that his own town, Dikwa, is under siege from Boko Haram members.

He said, "Any military man who says there is no single territory under Boko Haram is a liar. They are staying in Abuja, they don't know what is going on here, they just issue statements. Who are they deceiving?

Our people cannot go out like people do in other places. If they come out, they either get arrested by military men or risk being killed by Boko Haram. Enenche should come to Borno and see what is happening."

Ali said the people of Dikwa town live like people in cages as military men arrest those without the National Identity Number (NIN) slips, "whereas officials of the National Identity Management Commission cannot come in to get them registered because of Boko Haram."

The cleric said his nephew was arrested on this basis and is still with the soldiers. 

"The military men only want to see women, they don't want to see any man, or else they will arrest him. Even women, they arrest them and keep them. My elder brother’s wife, they kept her for about five days.

The military men are harassing innocent people. If they want to see Boko Haram members, they should go to Sambisa forest, after all, they said no single territory is under Boko Haram, who took over Sambisa?"

Ali told SaharaReporters that virtually everyone in the town has retired to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp, due to fear of being killed or kidnapped by the notorious Boko Haram.

He said, "Our territory, districts and villages are under Boko Haram. Our people have left Borno for IDP camps and military operatives are dealing with them.

"If you move 10 kilometres from the local government area, if these bandits see you, they will warn you not to come to the local government again. But if you are not lucky, they will kill you and the military knows this. The Nigerian government knows all these things, we are tired of this country, we are in terrible pains."

The cleric said he was concerned about the issue of insecurity because he was afraid for southern Nigeria that might be a target soon.

"I am talking now because I don't want this thing to affect another area. The people they are targeting are those in the South. Before now, insecurity was for the North-East but now, people in the North-West are also suffering."

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The Director General, Centre for Justice on Religious and Ethnicity in Nigeria, Kallamu Musa Ali, has urged the military to verify claims before making them.

On Monday, the Coordinator of Defence Media Operations, John Enenche, said the Nigerian government and the military had since 2015 checked the intensity of terrorist activities across the country — particularly in the North-East.

He said the open display of power and authority by Boko Haram no longer happens in the North-East, and that no single district or community could be said to be under the control of the insurgents.

But Ali countered these claims, noting that his own town, Dikwa, is under siege from Boko Haram members.

He said, "Any military man who says there is no single territory under Boko Haram is a liar. They are staying in Abuja, they don't know what is going on here, they just issue statements. Who are they deceiving?

Our people cannot go out like people do in other places. If they come out, they either get arrested by military men or risk being killed by Boko Haram. Enenche should come to Borno and see what is happening."

Ali said the people of Dikwa town live like people in cages as military men arrest those without the National Identity Number (NIN) slips, "whereas officials of the National Identity Management Commission cannot come in to get them registered because of Boko Haram."

The cleric said his nephew was arrested on this basis and is still with the soldiers. 

"The military men only want to see women, they don't want to see any man, or else they will arrest him. Even women, they arrest them and keep them. My elder brother’s wife, they kept her for about five days.

The military men are harassing innocent people. If they want to see Boko Haram members, they should go to Sambisa forest, after all, they said no single territory is under Boko Haram, who took over Sambisa?"

Ali told SaharaReporters that virtually everyone in the town has retired to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp, due to fear of being killed or kidnapped by the notorious Boko Haram.

He said, "Our territory, districts and villages are under Boko Haram. Our people have left Borno for IDP camps and military operatives are dealing with them.

"If you move 10 kilometres from the local government area, if these bandits see you, they will warn you not to come to the local government again. But if you are not lucky, they will kill you and the military knows this. The Nigerian government knows all these things, we are tired of this country, we are in terrible pains."

The cleric said he was concerned about the issue of insecurity because he was afraid for southern Nigeria that might be a target soon.

"I am talking now because I don't want this thing to affect another area. The people they are targeting are those in the South. Before now, insecurity was for the North-East but now, people in the North-West are also suffering."

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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has raised the alarm over a failed assassination attempt on the life of one of its members, Mr Segun Owolabi, on Monday night. 

Owolabi, who is the Business Manager of Silverbird, Rythym 93.7 FM station, reportedly being killed on Monday when some gunmen stormed his house in Port Harcourt. 

NUJ, in a statement signed by the State Chairman, Stanley Job Stanley, and Secretary, Ike Wigodo, urged security agents in the state to thoroughly investigate the assassination attempt on Owolabi and bring the culprits to justice. 

The union expressed worry over the resurgence of insecurity in the state and called on relevant security agencies to curb the menace.

The statement further urged the state government and security agencies to work closely to secure the lives of people living and doing business in the state.

The statement read in part, "The resurgence of insecurity in the state is worrisome. We are concerned about the security of our members and other citizens living and doing business in the state. 

"The government and the police should work closely and be more proactive towards tackling the insecurity situation in the state."

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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has raised the alarm over a failed assassination attempt on the life of one of its members, Mr Segun Owolabi, on Monday night. 

Owolabi, who is the Business Manager of Silverbird, Rythym 93.7 FM station, reportedly being killed on Monday when some gunmen stormed his house in Port Harcourt. 

NUJ, in a statement signed by the State Chairman, Stanley Job Stanley, and Secretary, Ike Wigodo, urged security agents in the state to thoroughly investigate the assassination attempt on Owolabi and bring the culprits to justice. 

The union expressed worry over the resurgence of insecurity in the state and called on relevant security agencies to curb the menace.

The statement further urged the state government and security agencies to work closely to secure the lives of people living and doing business in the state.

The statement read in part, "The resurgence of insecurity in the state is worrisome. We are concerned about the security of our members and other citizens living and doing business in the state. 

"The government and the police should work closely and be more proactive towards tackling the insecurity situation in the state."

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President Muhammadu Buhari has said security situation in the North-East under his administration is better than what it used to be under former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Buhari disclosed this on Wednesday while receiving Yakubu Pam, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission in Abuja.

Although the President did not mention Jonathan’s name, he made direct reference to the former leader who handed over power to him in 2015.

He said, “What was the situation when we came? Try and ask people from Borno or from Adamawa for that matter and Yobe. What was the condition before we came and what is the condition now?

“Still, there are problems in Borno and Yobe, there are occasional Boko Haram problems, but they know the difference because a lot of them moved out of their states and moved to Kaduna, Kano and here (in Abuja). We were not spared of the attacks at a time. The government is doing its best and I hope that eventually, our best will be good enough.”

Buhari also assured internally displaced persons (IDPs) that their welfare was top on the agenda of his government.

"The people in IDPs' camps, the weak, aged, I feel sorry for the young because this is the time they are supposed to get education. We must not allow this time to pass because it will never be regained. So we are really interested in what is happening there and we are doing our best,” he said.

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President Muhammadu Buhari has said security situation in the North-East under his administration is better than what it used to be under former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Buhari disclosed this on Wednesday while receiving Yakubu Pam, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission in Abuja.

Although the President did not mention Jonathan’s name, he made direct reference to the former leader who handed over power to him in 2015.

He said, “What was the situation when we came? Try and ask people from Borno or from Adamawa for that matter and Yobe. What was the condition before we came and what is the condition now?

“Still, there are problems in Borno and Yobe, there are occasional Boko Haram problems, but they know the difference because a lot of them moved out of their states and moved to Kaduna, Kano and here (in Abuja). We were not spared of the attacks at a time. The government is doing its best and I hope that eventually, our best will be good enough.”

Buhari also assured internally displaced persons (IDPs) that their welfare was top on the agenda of his government.

"The people in IDPs' camps, the weak, aged, I feel sorry for the young because this is the time they are supposed to get education. We must not allow this time to pass because it will never be regained. So we are really interested in what is happening there and we are doing our best,” he said.

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A Twitter user who simply goes by the name, Femi and whose handle is @3eyedpixel, has alleged that men of the Nigeria Police Force extorted N100, 000 from him on Thursday.

The man, who shared his experience on the social media platform, said his only crime was having a laptop with him. 

nigeriafilms.com

He said the police officers requested that he should pay N500, 000 or go with them to the station and that he had to negotiate with the officers to accept N100, 000 as he needed to get to his destination on time. 

He tweeted, "Earlier today, officers of @PoliceNG robbed me of N100, 000 in the presence of my wife. My only crime was having my official laptop with me. They couldn’t pin any crime on me so they insisted I follow them to their station or pay N500, 000. I was running late for my flight, so I had to be diplomatic with them. We had a lot of back and forth and I finally had to settle for N100,000 (payment for being a Nigerian). 

"I know nothing will be done, but I’m just putting my story out here for people to know our fight is far from over. For the sake of transparency, I will drop details about the event, including payment methods and receipts. I also want to categorically state that I was very cooperative and engaging. My communication was totally aimed at de-escalation."

Femi said he is a software engineer in the Netherlands who had come to Nigeria for the Christmas holiday and was running late for his flight, which caused him to negotiate to give the officers N100, 000. 

"First of all, I'm a software engineer previously with @Andela and now with @BrightComputing in Netherlands. I am not a Yahoo boy (Internet fraudster) and I will never be one. I only came home for Christmas and was returning to my base and I know better than to let Nigerian police delay me.

"When the police stopped us at 7/8 bus stop, they first accused my wife and me of not wearing face masks. Indeed, we didn't, but that was only because we were in a rush. I explained this and even showed them a pack of masks and a bottle of sanitiser."

He said the police checked his luggage and saw two laptops and requested for his company's ID, which he did not have. 

He however said he showed them his residential permit to prove he had come in from the Netherlands. 

"I explained to them that my company does not issue ID since it's almost irrelevant. However, I showed them my NL residential permit as a proof that I live and work over there. It was at this point that they stopped talking and got into the Bolt ride with me. Then two others got into their rickety 'korope' (mini bus) and we followed.

"After about 300m, we drove into a street opposite Ajao Estate junction and drove for about 150m. All the while, they were asking me to pay N500, 000. I told them I needed to catch a flight but my words fell on deaf ears. They kept yelling and at a point stopped my ride and asked me to get in their bus. On a good day, I would drag (get confrontational) with the police but I didn't have the luxury of time - so I had to find a solution quick. We started negotiating my release. I went as low as N50, 000 but they would rather bundle me in their bus than take a measly N50k."

He said the policemen, after several appeals, agreed to collect N100, 000 after which he was taken on a bike to an ATM where he withdrew money for them.

Femi said immediately the policemen got the money, they became friendly though he could not identify the officers.

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A Twitter user who simply goes by the name, Femi and whose handle is @3eyedpixel, has alleged that men of the Nigeria Police Force extorted N100, 000 from him on Thursday.

The man, who shared his experience on the social media platform, said his only crime was having a laptop with him. 

nigeriafilms.com

He said the police officers requested that he should pay N500, 000 or go with them to the station and that he had to negotiate with the officers to accept N100, 000 as he needed to get to his destination on time. 

He tweeted, "Earlier today, officers of @PoliceNG robbed me of N100, 000 in the presence of my wife. My only crime was having my official laptop with me. They couldn’t pin any crime on me so they insisted I follow them to their station or pay N500, 000. I was running late for my flight, so I had to be diplomatic with them. We had a lot of back and forth and I finally had to settle for N100,000 (payment for being a Nigerian). 

"I know nothing will be done, but I’m just putting my story out here for people to know our fight is far from over. For the sake of transparency, I will drop details about the event, including payment methods and receipts. I also want to categorically state that I was very cooperative and engaging. My communication was totally aimed at de-escalation."

Femi said he is a software engineer in the Netherlands who had come to Nigeria for the Christmas holiday and was running late for his flight, which caused him to negotiate to give the officers N100, 000. 

"First of all, I'm a software engineer previously with @Andela and now with @BrightComputing in Netherlands. I am not a Yahoo boy (Internet fraudster) and I will never be one. I only came home for Christmas and was returning to my base and I know better than to let Nigerian police delay me.

"When the police stopped us at 7/8 bus stop, they first accused my wife and me of not wearing face masks. Indeed, we didn't, but that was only because we were in a rush. I explained this and even showed them a pack of masks and a bottle of sanitiser."

He said the police checked his luggage and saw two laptops and requested for his company's ID, which he did not have. 

He however said he showed them his residential permit to prove he had come in from the Netherlands. 

"I explained to them that my company does not issue ID since it's almost irrelevant. However, I showed them my NL residential permit as a proof that I live and work over there. It was at this point that they stopped talking and got into the Bolt ride with me. Then two others got into their rickety 'korope' (mini bus) and we followed.

"After about 300m, we drove into a street opposite Ajao Estate junction and drove for about 150m. All the while, they were asking me to pay N500, 000. I told them I needed to catch a flight but my words fell on deaf ears. They kept yelling and at a point stopped my ride and asked me to get in their bus. On a good day, I would drag (get confrontational) with the police but I didn't have the luxury of time - so I had to find a solution quick. We started negotiating my release. I went as low as N50, 000 but they would rather bundle me in their bus than take a measly N50k."

He said the policemen, after several appeals, agreed to collect N100, 000 after which he was taken on a bike to an ATM where he withdrew money for them.

Femi said immediately the policemen got the money, they became friendly though he could not identify the officers.

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A BBC investigation uncovers who is most at risk of lethal police violence in Brazil.

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Johan Sundstein, aka "N0tail", has earned more than $7.4m (£5.4m) in prize money to date.